New boosted mid-range tractors

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Challenger today officially announced the release of its new MT500E series large-frame tractors. The media got to preview the series last month at Agco’s Jackson, MN, tractor facility.

The new MT500E series consists of five models that range from 185 to 255 maximum hp. Jon Slama, Agco marketing specialist for high-hp tractors, says the size makes it a versatile tractor for any farm.

“You can do a lot with it,” Slama says. “You can pair it up with a big baler, planter, and medium tillage tool and then you can come back to the farm and throw a loader on it. So it has a lot of different uses, whether you have a big farm, a dairy farm, or haying operation.”

Power comes from a new line of AGCO POWER 6.6- and 7.4-liter diesel engines that meet Tier 4b emissions standards. The new 6-cylinder engines meet the required emissions cuts using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). Slama says this type of emissions technology makes the engines efficient in their use of diesel fuel and diesel exhaust fluid.

“SCR and DOC technology, along with an intake throttle valve, allows us to manage the engine temp for minimal DEF consumption,” he says. “With the addition of increased common rail fuel injection pressure we also eliminate the need for a diesel particulate filter.”

A single-stage turbo charger with an electronic wastegate, the same technology used in the larger-series tractors, increase responsiveness and provides more low-range torque, Slama says. “The electronic wastegate is proactive whereas mechanical systems are more reactive to changes that have already occurred.”

The MT500E Series is available with either a CVT or AutoPower VI transmission. A new Engine Performance Management (EPM) system adds a 25 hp boost on demand, which is the power provided beyond maximum hp.

Along with the extra power, the company beefed up the hydraulics in these tractors. CVT models can be ordered with a hydraulic flow rate of up to 50 gpm, which is a lot for this size of tractor, for better control of large implements. The AutoPower VI is available with an optional 39 gpm system.

Changes also were made inside the cab to give it the same commonality with the larger 600 series. The dash itself is easier to read. The setup and information screen (SIS) is 50% larger than before and has 10 times the resolution. Auto-Guide 3000 is fully integrated in the Tractor Management Center display. A “Go Mode” is designed to make first-time use easier.

Front axle suspension travel is more than twice of what it was before to make the ride smoother and put more power on the ground.

The Challenger MT500E series tractors will have their first public showing later this month at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA. For more information, visit www.challenger-ag.us/.